Pepperdine School of Law Launches LLM in Entertainment, Media and Sports

April 6, 2017 | 2 min read

The Pepperdine University School of Law has announced a new Master of Laws (LLM) in Entertainment, Media, and Sports (EMS) beginning in Fall 2017.

Designed for international and domestic JDs and law students specializing in the fields of entertainment and sports, the 26-unit EMS program is part of Pepperdine’s larger network of programs including the Institute for Entertainment, Media and Culture (IEMC); Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS); Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law; Intellectual Property Student Association; and the Industry Expert Speaker Series. These programs provide additional opportunities for students to connect with alumni working at distinguished organizations in the entertainment and sport fields.

“This exciting program combines entertainment, media, and sports law with dispute resolution and business courses. Coupled with Pepperdine’s location in the heart of the Southern California entertainment industry the EMS program provides students with an unmatched learning experience,” said Maureen Weston, co-faculty director.

Students will experience a balance of coursework and externships within the local entertainment and professional sports industries and can choose electives from the world renowned Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, ranked number one in the country by U.S. News & World Report, or in partnership with the Graziadio School of Business and Management. A 14-unit certificate is also available.

"We are excited that the launch of the new LLM will give a broader audience of students the opportunity to experience our extensive EMS related programming including in-depth curricular offerings; frequent industry speakers; and networking events. Perhaps most importantly, the LLM will give them a chance to plug into the larger Los Angeles entertainment community with industry externship placements." said Victoria Schwartz, co-faculty director.

In addition to offering the LLM in EMS, Pepperdine is host to a variety of entertainment, media, and sports law events including the National Entertainment Moot Court Competition, first public sports arbitration, Farmer’s Field Mediation. Symposiums including Arbitrating Sports; Doping and the Culture of Sports; Women in Hollywood: 100 Years of Negotiating the System; and The New Normal in College Sports have also been hosted.